Surf SUP

A unique system of SUP surf training

1. Surf skills 2. Paddle skills 3. SUP surf skills.

SUP surfing is insanely addictive and the perfect antidote to an increasingly crowded surfing world: the extra paddle power gets you away from the main pack and into quieter waters and waves that prone surfers would struggle to catch. Your increased line-of-sight and mobility around the surf zone means you can spot sets way before everyone else and a high wave count is assured. It also leaves you with a very thorough surfed-out feeling which is what we all live for!

At Surf Sanctuary we are very unique in being qualified to offer you a proper sup surf training package. Head coach Dom Moore is a BSUPA trainer examiner and has deep experience in sup surfing which is vital when teaching others. Sup surf lessons at Surf Sanctuary are designed to be an 'investment in yourself' which will last a lifetime. We will help you gain the skills, knowledge and techniques needed to practice and develop as a sup surfer in your own time once you have completed your training with us.

We recommend a course consisting of one, two, or three lessons. The number of lessons you choose will depend on your prior experience; chat to us first to discuss your current level and requirements but a rough suggestion follows:

One lesson: If you are a competent flat-water stand-up paddler able to perform all the sweep strokes and kick-turns, AND are able to surf a regular surfboard then you may be able to jump straight into the sup surfing session.

Two lessons: We suggest this package if you are a competent flat-water stand-up paddler able to perform all the sweep strokes and kick-turns, OR are able to surf a regular surfboard. Your first lesson will either be a surf familiarisation session. OR a paddle technique session. Your second lesson will be a sup surfing session.

Three lessons: If you would like to get into sup surfing and have limited or no paddle boarding experience and do not come from a surfing background, the best way to develop your skills is with a surf familiarisation session, a paddle technique session and finally a sup surfing session.

About the sessions

Surf familiarisation session: this session is all about getting you comfortable in the surf zone, being able to 'read' and choose the right waves, learning how to catch them, how to ride them and of course how to deal with the inevitable wipe-outs. We start off using a prone surfboard but your objectives will be different to a regular surfing lesson, and we will introduce a paddle as a prop at some point, just so you get used to handling the extra bit of kit. In this session you will be able to quickly and safely learn the surf fundamentals which can be almost impossible to get to grips with were you to jump straight onto a sup board.

Paddle technique session: sup surfers need to be able to react instinctively at a moment's notice with various paddle stroke and footwork techniques. These are best learned and rehearsed in flat water without the distraction of surf. We also work on your paddling speed, power delivery and efficiency, and develop your balance on the smaller surf-style sup boards; experience in both of these areas is vital to your future success in the surf zone.

Sup surfing session: this takes us out through the breaking surf, and out back into 'green wave' territory on our surf sup boards. The goals of this session are open-ended but will definitely include strategies and tactics for getting past the white water, developing a reliable system for catching waves on your forehand and backhand, what to do with the paddle when you're surfing, how to make proper bottom turns, sup surf etiquette, wave selection...You'll also learn about the conditions and beach set ups that produce the best waves for sup surfing.

Pricing:

One person: 1 lesson £100 / 2 lessons £180 / 3 lessons £260

Two people: 1 lesson £140 / 2 lessons £220 / 3 lessons £300

FAQs

What do I need to bring? All boards, paddles, wetsuits, and safety items are included in your lesson price. Just bring a towel for changing, some bathers to wear under the wetsuit and some snacks or packed lunch if you wish. Bring any medication you might need such as an asthma inhaler. Is SUP surfing hard? Yep! Which is why we've developed the three stage lesson plan with the aim of making you able to practice independently after your time with us What if it’s too rough? Safety and enjoyment for our clients is paramount. We keep to surf 3ft and less and wind less than 15 mph for our sup surf sessions ☺